Hit: Drake bares his soul

To discuss Drake requires a mention of how he represents the softer side of hip-hop. It's not just anyone, after all, who gets a guest harmonica turn from Stevie Wonder. His gorgeously pensive solo ends "Doing It Wrong," a stand-out R&B cut in which Drake is nearly too nervous to end a relationship. The template on Drake's chart-topping 2011 album "Take Care," and for essentially the entirety of Drake's young career, is Kanye West's "808s & Heartbreak." Drake shares West's love for mood and never-ending existential analysis (80 minutes of it, to be precise). "Marvin's Room" showcases Drake's talents for both: he recounts how his sexual conquests are destroying his love life, sounding lost in murky, synthesized soul. Now if he'll just stop complaining about his taxes.

To discuss Drake requires a mention of how he represents the softer side of hip-hop. It's not just anyone, after all, who gets a guest harmonica turn from Stevie Wonder. His gorgeously pensive solo ends "Doing It Wrong," a stand-out R&B cut in which Drake is nearly too nervous to end a relationship. The template on Drake's chart-topping 2011 album "Take Care," and for essentially the entirety of Drake's young career, is Kanye West's "808s & Heartbreak." Drake shares West's love for mood and never-ending existential analysis (80 minutes of it, to be precise). "Marvin's Room" showcases Drake's talents for both: he recounts how his sexual conquests are destroying his love life, sounding lost in murky, synthesized soul. Now if he'll just stop complaining about his taxes. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

To discuss Drake requires a mention of how he represents the softer side of hip-hop. It's not just anyone, after all, who gets a guest harmonica turn from Stevie Wonder. His gorgeously pensive solo ends "Doing It Wrong," a stand-out R&B cut in which Drake is nearly too nervous to end a relationship. The template on Drake's chart-topping 2011 album "Take Care," and for essentially the entirety of Drake's young career, is Kanye West's "808s & Heartbreak." Drake shares West's love for mood and never-ending existential analysis (80 minutes of it, to be precise). "Marvin's Room" showcases Drake's talents for both: he recounts how his sexual conquests are destroying his love life, sounding lost in murky, synthesized soul. Now if he'll just stop complaining about his taxes.Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times